Everything you ever wanted to know about the Tummy Tuck aka Abdominoplasty

Tummy tuck is a wide-spread cosmetic procedure where a surgeon removes excessive fat and/or skin from the abdominal area. It is by no means a quick fix for someone who would like to drop a few pounds without putting in the effort of a healthy diet and exercise regime. Depending on the extent of the procedure, it’ll costs you anywhere between 3000 $ and 12,000 $. While abdominoplasty is not to be confused with liposuction, some patients do decide to combine the two procedures.

Is it the right procedure for me?

The two main types of people who decide to undertake the procedure are those who had lost weight but are struggling with getting rid of the remaining abdominal fat and stretched-out skin, and women wishing to tighten up their stomachs post-pregnancy. A tummy tuck is NOT for people who are planning on losing vast amounts of weight in the future or for women who are planning any future pregnancies.

The two types of tucks

Complete abdominoplasty is the more extreme of the two procedures and reserved for patients who need a lot of excess material removed. An incision is made from hipbone to hipbone and the muscle, skin and tissue are manipulated as needed. This surgery usually involves altering the placement of the belly button due to the vast amount of tissue removed. This procedure can take up to 5 hours.

Partial abdominoplasty is usually done for people whose fat deposits have gathered primarily bellow the navel. This procedure doesn’t involve moving the bell button and normally takes no longer than two hours.

The healing process and getting back to normal

Depending on the complexity of the procedure you might have to stay at the hospital overnight. After the procedure, the area will be stitched and bandaged, as well as very very sore. The aftercare is of the utmost importance and the patient must attend the bandages regularly. The doctor will also advise you on the initial sitting and sleep positions that will promote faster healing. Patients are sometimes advised to take a month off work so the body is allowed to heal properly. Exercise is to be avoided for at least 6 weeks.

Patients, in general, are extremely happy with the results of their tummy tucks. It is, however, important to keep up with a healthy diet and lifestyle in order to maintain the acquired abdomen. A poor high-caloric diet can easily reverse the marvelous results of a successful tuck.